The Paisano Volume 47 Issue 13

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SA’s first mobile food court coming to UTSA: Page 4

Runners win home opener: Page 9

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

November 20, 2012

Volume 47

Issue 26

‘Yes’ to marijuana, say Colorado and Washington S e x s c a n d a l shocks CIA, “Don’t break out the director resigns Cheetos or the Goldfish Alex Camacho Staff Writer

news@paisano-online.com

too quickly.”

spent enforcing marijuana prohibition. It would also eliminate approximately 750,000 cases of people who are arrested each year for possession which, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, “is more than the total number of arrestees for all violent crimes combined such as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.” In Mexico, the incoming administration plans to take the fight against See MARIJUANA, Page 2

Scott Cochran/ The Paisano

Supporters of marijuana legalization witnessed a historic moment last Tuesday when voters in Colorado and Washington state passed amendments legalizing the right to smoke marijuana without the need of a medical prescription. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper warned state residents on Tues-

day night, “Don’t break out the Cheetos Marijuana is already legal in 17 states or the Goldfish too quickly,” as it will for medical purposes and, according take at least a month to CNN, it is esbefore the measures timated that in are officially on the Los Angeles, there states’ agendas, and are more medical several months marijuana shops could go by before than liquor stores. legislators finish Legalization at a writing rules, tax John Hickenloper federal level could codes and the many Governor of Colorado save U.S. taxpayregulations required ers $10 billion a for creating licensed marijuana shops. year on resources that are currently

Jennifer Alejos

Formula One racing has been absent in the U.S. since 2007.

Intern

Formula 1 brings jobs, excitement to Texas in spite of funding controversy

Scott Cochran/ The Paisano

news@paisano-online.com

The Circuit of the Americas will create 6000 jobs in Texas, but may cost the state $250 million.

On Nov. 16, Austin, TX, saw its first F1 United States Grand Prix racing event at the newly opened Circuit of the Americas track. Formula 1 racing, otherwise known as F1, is a familiar sport in many regions of Europe, but has been relatively unknown to the U.S. since 2007, the last time an F1 event was held on U.S. soil. The inaugural event, named Austin Fan Fest, was held from Nov. 16-18 in downtown Austin and included acts from Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Flo Rida, Cobra Starship and international singer Juanes. The festival turned downtown Austin into a hotspot with its music venues, F1 car simulator stations and parties along with other interactive activities. The event was expected to host not only Austin natives, but also visitors from around the world. The track is located 14 miles southeast of downtown Austin and runs for 3.4 miles with an elevation of 133 feet, making it accessible to 120,000 spectators. Circuit of the Americas is much more than a track. The multi-purpose facility is expected to host educational and medical programs as well as a driving academy. As stated on its website, the facility will feature a 5,500 square foot medical center that will provide paramedic and EMS services and opportunities for students to receive medical training. A 40,000 square foot conference media center is another feature of the circuit. The project went into development in May 2010 and construction began in December 2010. The facility encountered many roadblocks along the way, as there were rumors that production had stopped in November 2011 when contract disagreements took place. With Red McCombs and Bobby Epstein on board as the founding partners, the production of the facility took off and now, it humbly rests in the town of Elroy, which is a few miles away from

Austin. Lately, the biggest controversy surrounding the Circuit of the Americas is whether the Texas Comptroller Susan Combs had the right to green-light its production without the public’s approval. According to the Texas Tribune, it is illegal to approve an article without proper consideration by all parties. According to the Texas Tribute, Combs agreed to pay back a sum of $250 million within the next 10 years. Now, the city of Austin must make arrangements to pay back its first installment of $25 million from the Major Events Trust Fund in the form of a tax subsidy. The percentage of sales tax revenue that was accumulated from tourism will influence the payment amount. Opponents of the tax subsidy payment include those who are affiliated with the Tea Party. They argue that the attraction is a threat to other programs that are facing the possibility of being cut and suffer from insufficient funding. Supporters of the Circuit of the Americas contend that the facility will increase tourism and boost the economy. Media and Community Relations Manager Ali Putnam said that the facility has created over 300 full-time jobs in Austin, as well as an additional 3,000 jobs for seasonal and event specific employees. “In total, Circuit of the Americas is expected to create more than 6,000 jobs,” said Putnam. Opening weekend of the event sold over 110,000 tickets, with 60 percent sold to buyers out of Texas, 40 percent to local buyers and 15 percent to international buyers. UTSA student Jesse Sanchez said that he wished he could have gone to the event. “It seemed really cool,” said Sanchez. “I’ve been going to the events at the San Antonio Raceway for awhile now, but I’m glad that Austin has something new to bring to the table.” For those who were unable to grab one of these esteemed seats, there are more projects expected to be held in the spring, including V8 supercar and motorsports series events.

David Glickman News Assistant

news@paisano-online.com On Nov. 9, David Petraeus, retired four-star-Army general, resigned from his position as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), a move that shocked many and appeared to come out of nowhere. In his resignation letter, Petraeus cited “extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours. This afternoon, the president graciously accepted my resignation.” The affair came to light after the FBI investigation “discovered 20,000-30,000 emails between Petraeus and Paula Broadwell,” reported CNN. Broadwell had been Petraeus’ biographer, and had worked with the former director for several months and released the book “All In” in January 2012. Petraeus did not deny the affair when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confronted him upon their discovery of the scandal. Petraeus, who gained widespread recognition for commanding U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, posted his resignation almost immediately, according to the Washington Post. The situation became more complex with the involvement of Jill Kelley. Kelley, a “volunteer military social liaison,” according to CNN, was a close friend to the Petraeus family. After receiving anonymous, threatening emails, Kelley alerted the FBI, who then investigated and discovered that Broadwell was sending the emails. The FBI investigation revealed emails between Broadwell and Petreaus, and, through further investigation, a large amount of emails between Kelly and Marine Gen. John Allen, who succeeded Petraeus to become the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan and was in line to be Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. Furthermore, worry of a possible security breach is at the center of the controversy with Petraeus and the various other people involved. Petraeus has stated repeatedly that he has not leaked any classified information. Despite his claim, police and the FBI launched an investigation of Broadwell, according to The New York Times. Examining her laptop and Broadwell herself, the FBI concluded that no classified information was discovered or appeared to be leaked. Congressional leaders have also pressured Petraeus, the CIA and the FBI. Outside of the security breach, questions have been raised as to when the FBI discovered the affair and why Congress was not notified sooner. Rep. Peter King, chairman of the Congressional National Security Committee, in particular, has vocalized his criticism of the situation, saying elements of the story “didn’t add up.” “I don’t think this is going to affect anything that is going on the ground,” said Jesus Cuevas, former specialist, Army medic and current UTSA student. Having served under Petraeus’ command in the Army for two tours between 2006 and 2010, Cuevas is not worried about the scandal compromising the military in any way. “I think everyone knows what the mission is and how to accomplish it. This [scandal] might have happened, but it’s not going to change what happened and what’s going on,” Cuevas stated.


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